The sake ceremony, San San Kudo, "three times three", is an ancient Japanese custom enjoying popularity in the States today. Primarily Shinto in origin, it also incorporates Buddhist teachings. It's a way of honoring family heritage & introducing an elemental feeling into the modern ceremony.
Traditionally performed by the couple and sometimes both sets of parents, the ceremony symbolizes both the union of two people and the joining of two families. Each person takes 3 sips of sake from each of 3 cups, hence the “three three nine times”. Three cannot be divided in two, making it a particularly lucky number for a wedding in Japanese culture.
There are many different ideas about the symbolism of the three sake cups. Some believe it represents heaven, earth, & mankind: others believe it represents the love, wisdom, & happiness which grow over time in a marriage.
Other components of the ceremony may included sheaves of wheat or rice carried by the bridal party to be placed on the altar, representing the natural world.
Traditionally performed by the couple and sometimes both sets of parents, the ceremony symbolizes both the union of two people and the joining of two families. Each person takes 3 sips of sake from each of 3 cups, hence the “three three nine times”. Three cannot be divided in two, making it a particularly lucky number for a wedding in Japanese culture.
There are many different ideas about the symbolism of the three sake cups. Some believe it represents heaven, earth, & mankind: others believe it represents the love, wisdom, & happiness which grow over time in a marriage.
Other components of the ceremony may included sheaves of wheat or rice carried by the bridal party to be placed on the altar, representing the natural world.